Cabinet Secretary Updates Senate on Water Projects Progress

The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Hon. Zachariah Njeru, provided updates on critical water and sanitation projects in Mandera and Wajir County in a session before the senate shedding light on both achievements and challenges.

One of the focal points of the discussion was the Mandera water supply project, funded by the African Development Bank.

Commencing on January 31, 2019, with an initial completion date of July 30, 2020, the project faced several setbacks leading to a revised completion date of December 31, 2023. Despite efforts, the contractor faced challenges meeting project requirements, resulting in a mutual agreement to terminate the contract.

Presently, the project stands at 72% completion and is poised to benefit around 400,000 individuals in Mandera town and its environs upon fruition.

Attention was directed towards water projects in Wajir County, earmarked for implementation in the fiscal year 2023/2024. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA), a state corporation under its purview, is overseeing 16 projects aimed at enhancing water access and sanitation in the county.

Accompanying the Cabinet Secretary during the session were Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation, Mr. Julius Korir, Water Secretary Eng S. Alima, and CEO of Tana Water Works Development Agency, Philip Gichuki.